Installation - A.O. Smith BTF-80 Manual

• Do not cover the instruction manual. Keep it on the side of the
water heater or nearby for future reference.
• Do obtain new warning and instruction labels for placement
on the blanket directly over the existing labels.
• Do inspect the insulation blanket frequently to make certain it
does not sag, thereby obstructing combustion air flow.

INSTALLATION

REQUIRED ABILITY
INSTALLATION OR SERVICE OF THIS WATER HEATER REQUIRES
ABILITY EQUIVALENT TO THAT OF A LICENSED TRADESMAN IN
THE FIELD INVOLVED. PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL, AIR SUPPLY,
VENTING AND GAS SUPPLY ARE REQUIRED.
GENERAL
MAKE SURE that the gas supply where this water heater will be
installed is the same as that stated on its model and rating plate.
The installation must conform with these instructions and the local
code authority having jurisdiction. In the absence of local codes,
installations shall comply with the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI
Z223.1/NFPA 54 and the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70 or
CAN/CSA-B149.1, the Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code
and CSA C22.1, the Canadian Electrical Code. All documents are
available from the Canadian Standards Association, 8501 East
Pleasant Valley Road, Cleveland, OH 44131. NFPA documents
are also available from the National Fire Protection Association,
1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
GROUNDING
The water heater when installed must be grounded in accordance with
the local codes, or in the absence of local codes: The National Electrical
Code, NFPA 70 or the Canadian Electrical Code CSA C221.1.
HIGH ALTITUDE INSTALLATION
INSTALLATIONS ABOVE 7700 FT. (2,347 m) REQUIRE
REPLACEMENT OF THE BURNER ORIFICE IN ACCORDANCE
WITH NATURAL GAS AND PROPANE INSTALLATION CODE CAN/
CSA B149.1. FAILURE TO REPLACE THE ORIFICE COULD RESULT
IN IMPROPER AND INEFFICIENT OPERATION OF THE APPLIANCE,
PRODUCING CARBON MONOXIDE GAS IN EXCESS OF SAFE
LIMITS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY
OR DEATH. CONTACT YOUR GAS SUPPLIER FOR ANY SPECIFIC
CHANGES WHICH MAY BE REQUIRED IN YOUR AREA.
SOME MODELS ARE BUILT SPECIFICALLY FOR HIGH
ALTITUDE SERVICE.
PLEASE CHECK THE RATING PLATE BEFORE MAKING CHANGES.
LOCATION OF HEATER
When installing the heater, consideration must be given to proper
location. Location selected should be as close to the outside wall
to be used for terminations as practicable with adequate air supply
and as centralized with the water piping system as possible.
The heater is design certified by the Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
for installation on combustible flooring in a closet having minimum
clearances from combustible material of: 0" (0 cm) clearance from
CAUTION
sides and rear, 5.5" (14 cm) from the front and 12" (30 cm) from
the top. (Standard clearance.) If clearances stated on the heater
differ from standard clearances, install water heater according to
clearances stated on heater.
A minimum clearance of 4" (10 cm) must be allowed for access
to replaceable parts such as the thermostats, drain valve and
relief valve. A top clearance of 24" (61 cm) should be allowed for
blower assembly service.
Adequate clearance for servicing this appliance should be
considered before installation, such as changing the anodes, etc.
Minimum clearances for proper operation are given above.
In cold climates provide protection against freeze-up.
THE HEATER SHOULD BE LOCATED IN AN AREA WHERE
LEAKAGE OF THE TANK OR CONNECTIONS WILL NOT
RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE AREA ADJACENT TO THE
HEATER OR TO LOWER FLOORS OF THE STRUCTURE.
When such locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain pan
should be installed under the heater, see figure 1. The pan
must not restrict combustion air flow. Such pans should have a
minimum length and width of at least 2" (5.1 cm) greater than the
diameter of the heater and should be piped to an adequate drain.
Drain pans suitable for these heaters are available from the water
heater manufacturer at, 500 Tennessee Waltz Parkway, Ashland
City, TN 37015.
Installation of the water heater must be accomplished in such a
manner that if the tank or any of the connections should leak, the
flow will not cause damage to the structure. For this reason, it is
not advisable to install the water heater in an attic or upper floor.
When such locations can not be avoided, a suitable drain pan
should be installed under the water heater.
Water heater life depends upon water quality, water pressure
and the environment in which the water heater is installed. Water
heaters are sometimes installed in locations where leakage may
result in property damage, even with the use of a drain pan piped
to a drain. However, unanticipated damage can be reduced or
prevented by a leak detector or water shut-off device used in
conjunction with a piped drain pan.
These devices are available from some plumbing supply
wholesalers and retailers, and detect and react to leakage in
various ways:
• Sensors mounted in the drain pan that trigger an alarm or turn
off the incoming water to the water heater when leakage is
detected.
• Sensors mounted in the drain pan that turn off the water supply
to the entire home when water is detected in the drain pan.
• Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on the water
pressure differential between the cold water and hot water pipes
connected to the water heater.
• Devices that will turn off the gas supply to a gas water heater
while at the same time shutting off its water supply.
DO NOT INSTALL THIS WATER HEATER DIRECTLY ON A
CARPETED FLOOR. A FIRE HAZARD MAY RESULT.
water heater must be placed on a metal or wood panel extending
beyond the full width and depth by at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) in any
direction. If the heater is installed in a carpeted alcove or closet,
the entire floor shall be covered by the panel.
AIR REQUIREMENTS
In calculating the free area of a vent opening, the blocking effect
5
WARNING
WARNING
Instead the